{"id":118395,"date":"2024-12-12T11:32:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T16:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/?p=118395"},"modified":"2024-12-12T11:32:11","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T16:32:11","slug":"what-is-3-factor-authentication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/blog\/what-is-3-factor-authentication","title":{"rendered":"What Is 3-Factor Authentication?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Think about how many times you\u2019ve logged into a system using just a password<\/em>, and how easy it would be for someone to guess that password \u2014 or worse, steal it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While two-factor authentication (2FA) added a much-needed layer of security beyond just a password, it still leaves room for vulnerabilities. That\u2019s where three-factor authentication (3FA) steps in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3FA is changing the game for IT teams by taking security a step further. It combines three layers of identity verification to make unauthorized access almost impossible! \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read along to understand what 3FA is, how it works, and why it matters for SMEs like yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authentication revolves around verifying that the person accessing a system is indeed<\/em> who they claim to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This verification relies on three primary factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3FA leverages all three factors<\/a> simultaneously to verify identity, making it exponentially harder for cybercriminals to bypass security protocols. \u270c\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n As 3FA combines all three factors \u2014 knowledge, possession, and inheritance, it creates the<\/em> most secure<\/em> form of authentication available today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While 2FA relies on just two of these factors (often knowledge and possession), 3FA adds another layer of assurance by requiring the user to authenticate with their unique biometric data as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, when accessing a corporate system, a user might need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This additional layer ensures that even if two factors are compromised \u2014 say, someone steals your password and security key \u2014 they still can\u2019t gain access without your biometric information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With cybersecurity threats constantly evolving, SMEs often lack the robust security measures of larger organizations, making them prime targets for hackers. This is why 3FA is worth considering \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n By requiring three independent layers of verification, 3FA makes it incredibly hard for attackers to breach your systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if a hacker gets hold of a password and a stolen security key, they\u2019ll still need biometric data, which is much harder to fake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many industries have strict data protection regulations, like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. Implementing 3FA can help SMEs meet these requirements and avoid hefty fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s your employees, customers, or partners, people want to know that their data is safe. Using 3FA demonstrates a commitment to security, boosting confidence in your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3FA positions your business as ready for the next wave of cybersecurity challenges, reducing potential liabilities! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s now look at how 3FA actually works and its best use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paint a picture of an IT manager logging into their system containing sensitive customer data. The 3FA process typically looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each step<\/a> verifies a different aspect of their identity, creating a nearly foolproof barrier against unauthorized access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3FA is especially effective in scenarios where the stakes are high, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While 3FA offers top-notch security, it\u2019s not without its challenges<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This generally involves evaluating both software compatibility and hardware capabilities to ensure a smooth implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since passwords are easy to forget, easy to steal, and often reused across accounts, they are quickly becoming outdated. So, what\u2019s next? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Passwordless authentication<\/a> is the next big thing<\/em>, and it pairs well with 3FA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emerging technologies like advanced biometric authentication<\/a> and behavioral analytics are further changing the IT game. For instance, some systems are able to analyze how you type or move your mouse to verify your identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While 3FA is the gold standard today, the future of authentication promises even more seamless and secure options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To successfully adopt 3FA<\/a>, make sure you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n JumpCloud streamlines this process by integrating MFA<\/a> and other advanced security measures into a single, scalable solution<\/a>. \u26a1<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the rise in cybersecurity threats, SME IT teams need solutions that go beyond the basics and 3FA is one such advanced solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to strengthen your IT security and keep breaches at bay, adopting 3FA is a must. JumpCloud makes it simpler than ever by seamlessly integrating advanced authentication methods, including 3FA, into your existing workflows.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, with JumpCloud you can enhance security, ensure compliance, and build trust across your organization without sacrificing usability<\/em>! Start a self-guided demo<\/a> to see how.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Discover what 3FA is and how it enhances IT security, protecting SMEs from breaches. Learn benefits, challenges, and more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":238,"featured_media":118396,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"collection":[2780],"platform":[],"funnel_stage":[3016],"coauthors":[3301],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding Authentication Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Is 3-Factor Authentication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Benefits of 3-Factor Authentication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stronger Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Regulatory Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Increased Trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Future-Proofing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How 3FA Works in Real Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Challenges of 3FA (and How to Overcome Them)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Future of Authentication Is Passwordless<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Implement 3FA in Your SaaS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Enhance Security with JumpCloud’s 3FA <\/h2>\n\n\n\n